Lester's status uncertain for opener

Brad Lester's status for Auburn's season-opening game against Kansas State on Saturday night was cast in doubt Tuesday by head coach Tommy Tuberville, who said his starting tailback's availability ``could change.'' Lester didn't play in the Cotton Bowl because of academic issues and those issues have not fully been resolved.

Tuberville said he hopes to get a resolution on Lester's availability by Thursday.

Lester is set to replace Kenny Irons as the starter. Irons led Auburn in rushing the two previous seasons with Lester serving as his primary backup.

``To this point, he's playing,'' Tuberville said. ``That's all I know. We'll talk about it as we go along.''

Tuberville added that ``the running back position is going to be running back by committee, as it has over the years. With Carl Stewart coming back, we feel real good about our running back situation. We think Brad, Mario (Fannin) and Ben Tate - whoever starts - Carl Stewart is going to be a big factor.''